Anti-piracy role of other nations is murky

[unhappycamper]

Anti-piracy role of other nations is murky
By Andrew Scutro - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 23, 2009 17:29:50 EST

NORFOLK, Va. — As the U.S. steps up its anti-piracy campaign off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, it is still unclear what role warships from Russia, China and other nations will play in the effort.

Most interaction has been taking place at the “tactical level” over bridge-to-bridge radios, mainly to ensure ships operate far enough apart, said Cmdr. Jane Campbell, spokeswoman for 5th Fleet in Bahrain. “It’s been de-confliction,” she said.

U.S. forces upped the commitment to quash seaborne hijackers in January with the establishment of Combined Task Force 151, coordinated from the amphibious transport dock San Antonio and led by Rear Adm. Terry McKnight. Its area of operation covers the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and the waters off Somalia.

As yet, the U.S. remains the only task force member, pending authority from allied nations already operating in the area for its forces to take part.

As for Russia and China, “I don’t know (if) you’d see them joining in particular,” Campbell said.

Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/01/navy_piracy_012309w/%2e